Military to probe torture allegations

JAKARTA: The Indonesian Military (TNI) has pledged to investigate allegations that soldiers tortured detained members of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), vowing to come down hard on anyone guilty of such actions.

U.S.-based Human Rights Watch said on Tuesday members of the TNI were torturing imprisoned GAM members.

"We have yet to investigate the allegations," said TNI spokesman Maj. Gen. Sjafrie Sjamsoedin, adding that his office would sue the rights organization if the allegations proved false.

The investigation team will be led by Military Police chief Maj. Gen. Ruchian, who will be assisted by the head of the military's legal department, Maj. Gen. F.X. Sukirman.

Human Rights Watch alleged that suspected GAM members and sympathizers were routinely subject to electric shocks, cigarette burns, beatings, and other forms of torture by security forces. --JP